Vol. 466 No. 1
122 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment the reason he is excluding regional authority members from inclusion at the Convention on Quality in Local Government which he is hosting on 6 and 7 June 1996 in Dublin Castle in view of the fact that the designated function of the regional authority is to co-ordinate and improve the quality of local government. [10942/96]
The Convention on Quality in Local Government which I have arranged for Dublin Castle on 6-7 June next will consider the good aspects of local authority services and examine areas where the quality of service might be improved. It is being held in the context of the Government's Strategic Management Initiative, which places significant emphasis on improving the quality of public services; by focusing on action by local authorities, it is also an important complement to proposals being developed by central government to reform and renew the local government system.
I regard the convention as a significant event for local government and the question of attendance at it has been approached on that basis. Each county council and county borough corporation has been invited to nominate three elected members to participate in the convention. The borough corporations, urban district councils and town commissioners have been asked to nominate one elected member. The attendance will also include senior local authority management as well as staff representatives.
Due to limitations on overall numbers, and the need to ensure that those attending get an opportunity to participate fully in the proceedings, it has not been possible to accommodate every person and body with an interest in the issue. However, I have decided to invite also each cathoirleach of a regional authority, as well as a representative at official level of these authorities.
